Research Progresses of Zn-Sb Thermoelectric Compounds

Thermoelectric materials are functional materials which can directly interconvert between thermal energy and electrical energy.Thermoelectric devices have been widely used in thermal power generation and semiconductor refrigeration technology due to their advantages of simple structure,low cost, pro-environment,no noise and long lifetime.Zn-Sb alloys in which ZnSb and Zn4Sb3are mainly common have been one of the most important thermoelectric materials owing to their superior thermoelectric properties. Zn8Sb7structure newly discovered has become a new research hotspot.Crystal structures,thermoelectric properties,preparation technology of Zn-Sb alloys are summarized in detail,and the application prospects of the materials are also discussed.